Monitoring small kidney tumors without immediate surgery

European Active Surveillance of Renal Cell Carcinoma Study (EASE RCC Study)

Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carita · NCT06336187

This study is testing whether people with small kidney tumors can safely skip surgery and be monitored instead, to see how well they do over time.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAzienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Maggiore della Carita (other)
Locations1 site (Novara)
Trial IDNCT06336187 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational, multi-national study aims to evaluate the overall survival of patients diagnosed with small renal cell carcinoma (RCC) measuring less than 4 cm, who are managed through active surveillance instead of invasive treatments. Participants will undergo a percutaneous biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of RCC and will be monitored for tumor growth and progression over time. The study seeks to establish a standardized follow-up protocol and identify genetic markers that may indicate tumor aggressiveness, aiding in personalized management strategies for patients. A total of 400 patients across European countries will be included in this prospective study.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with incidentally diagnosed, histologically confirmed small renal masses who are unfit for active treatment due to age or comorbidities.

Not a fit: Patients with larger tumors, metastatic disease, or those with non-RCC histology will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow patients with small RCC to avoid unnecessary surgeries while still effectively managing their condition.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies on active surveillance for small renal tumors have shown promise, but this study focuses specifically on histologically confirmed RCC, making it a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Males or females, age ≥ 18 years
* Incidental diagnosis at imaging (ultrasonography, CT, MRI) of a solid renal mass \< 4 cm in maximum diameter.
* Histologically confirmed RCC by percutaneous needle biopsy at diagnosis. All RCC subtypes are eligible for the study.
* Patients unfit for active treatment due to advanced age, or co-morbidity, or choosing to avoid active treatment.
* Signed Informed consent.
* Preparedness to comply with percutaneous tumor biopsy and a close follow-up protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* Renal tumors with a non-RCC histology (sarcomas, lymphomas, etc.).
* Presence of metastatic disease at diagnosis
* Tumor related symptoms at presentation.
* Patients with known genetic diseases associated with RCC (Von Hippel-Lindau, Birt-Hogg-Dubé, Hereditary Leiomyomatosis and Renal Cell Cancer, etc.).
* Patients unsuitable for biopsy due to need for concomitant anticoagulation or anti-platelet drug use which cannot be transiently discontinued.
* Patients unsuitable for biopsy due to tumor location or small tumor size.
* Patients with concurrent systemic treatment for another cancer.
* Patients with estimated life expectancy \< 1 year.

Where this trial is running

Novara

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Renal Cell Carcinoma, active surveillance, small renal masses

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.